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McGlinchey's A-League future in doubt

Wellington Phoenix playmaker Michael McGlinchey's playing future remains in doubt, with a Football Federation of Australia (FFA) arbitrator ruling he is still contracted to Central Coast in the A-League.

McGlinchey has been at the centre of a long-running dispute between Wellington and the Mariners - his club since 2009 - with a change in ownership at the central coast club clouding the issue.

The Phoenix issued a statement saying they would assess their legal options and consider appealing the decision.

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"The Wellington Phoenix, as an interested party, will seek legal advice on this decision as it raises questions as to whether or not McGlinchey and other players have been, and are actually contracted to, the legal entity that holds the license for the Central Coast Mariners to play in the A-league."

In a statement issued on Thursday night, Central Coast took exception to the Wellington comment, describing it as "entirely unnecessary and unhelpful".

The Phoenix said it had always been their understanding that McGlinchey was free to sign a contract with them.

The players' union, Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), also said it was considering its legal options, including an appeal.

Under the FFA's grievance resolution regulations, the PFA has right of appeal.

McGlinchey sought the PFA's advice on his contractual status after finishing a loan stint at Japanese club Vegalta Sendai in June, following changes to the Mariners' ownership and licence.

Through its lawyers, the PFA advised McGlinchey that, after the loan period, he became a free agent and was therefore entitled to sign with the club of his choice.

The Mariners, however, say McGlinchey's contract with them doesn't expire until January 1, 2015.

PFA chief executive Adam Vivian said the organisation stood by the advice it had given McGlinchey.

In their statement, the Mariners said they remained committed to open and transparent dialogue with Football Federation Australia and the Phoenix on all matters.

"... Despite the fresh comments made by Wellington Phoenix FC and the PFA, Mariners management remains steadfast in their belief that McGlinchey is rightfully contracted to the club, and that that will again be proven to be correct in any further legal proceedings.

"I'm not convinced that the PFA are now acting, as they should, in the best interests of Michael McGlinchey, the clubs or the Hyundai A-League," Charlesworth said.

The Wellington-born New Zealand midfielder has been training with the Phoenix since early July but hasn't played in any of their pre-season games, missing high-profile matches against English Premier League sides West Ham and Newcastle.